Running Mania

Have any established marathoners out there switched over to the new minimalist running craze and done a marathon in VFFs. I'd love to hear if your times were better or worse. I can easily do my 20mi training runs in VFFs, but the Ottawa marathon will be my first go racing in them.

There's a guy on birthdayshoes.com who did a 2:37 marathon in VFF sprints last year- I tried to find the report but couldn't. If I recall correctly that was something like a 15min PB.

I don't have feedback on that question, but welcome to RM. :)

There was a guy at the vancouver marathon a couple of weeks ago who was completely barefoot. But he wasn't a very good ambassador for it because he looked like he was in a lot of pain!

Thanks for the welcome.

I have no problems with the 20mi training runs, but I struggle to keep up a fast pace in the VFF. Can't decide whether to be brave or run in my Piranhas for Ottawa...

I'll keep you all posted if I run in the VFFs.

erinmcd wrote:There's a guy on birthdayshoes.com who did a 2:37 marathon in VFF sprints last year- I tried to find the report but couldn't. If I recall correctly that was something like a 15min PB.

Ahh got to love the irony. A barefoot fansite with the word shoe in the title, featuring tonnes of shoe reviews!

SteveF wrote:

erinmcd wrote:There's a guy on birthdayshoes.com who did a 2:37 marathon in VFF sprints last year- I tried to find the report but couldn't. If I recall correctly that was something like a 15min PB.

Ahh got to love the irony. A barefoot fansite with the word shoe in the title, featuring tonnes of shoe reviews!

True dat ... At least, they kept it to "minimalist" shoes, err movement ...

Well I did run Ottawa in my Vibrams.

I won't race in them again, it just feels too hard to run fast in them. On the plus side, my joints felt fantastic when I finished.

Because of the rain, my feet are swollen and blistered and ugly. I did find a really great new shoe at the expo though - I think the Saucony Hattoris will be all the best of a VFF mixed with a racing flat.

Congrats to everyone who ran this weekend!

LisaAvery wrote:Well I did run Ottawa in my Vibrams.

I won't race in them again, it just feels too hard to run fast in them. On the plus side, my joints felt fantastic when I finished.

Because of the rain, my feet are swollen and blistered and ugly. I did find a really great new shoe at the expo though - I think the Saucony Hattoris will be all the best of a VFF mixed with a racing flat.

Congrats to everyone who ran this weekend!

Congrats on your race. I saw a couple guys running in Fivefingers along the course. I also saw a guy in a monkey suit! I think they got equal stares!

LisaAvery wrote:...I can easily do my 20mi training runs in VFFs...

I'm dumb at these discussions

Someone please tell me - what is the sign that one 'did not have enough support' for a run or race? Joint or other pain during a race? After the race?

Thanks!

I have run 2 marathons in VFFs, Boston and Mississauga. My personal best is in VFFs.

In my experience you have to transition slowly, but it is worth it. You tend to get more calf soreness especially in the beginning, since the muscles are working harder.

I don't know if I am faster because of the minimal; shoes, but it feels like it. It also feels better and more natural to run. I also think you get more "runners high"

I for one will never go back.

Bets,

Rolf

Just saw this post...

My physiotherapist just ran Ottawa marathon in Vibram FF - actually, he took his shoes off at the last kilometre - he wanted to run barefoot for that part.
(he did not realize that this messed up his time - the timing chip was on the shoe he was holding in his hand )
This was his first marathon...

I wouldn't advise using any new technique/piece of equipment in a race until your training runs are at least as fast & comfortable as when wearing what you were using previously. Continue training with the VFFs, if you wish, but do some of your long runs using whatever shoes you use when you run your best to see if there is a difference. Until you can run as fast with the VFFs, stick with your other shoes on race day.